JP7616019B2 - Vehicle lid opening and closing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle lid opening and closing device that is mounted on a vehicle.

Conventionally, for example, a slide-opening/closing type vehicle lid opening/closing device is known (for example, Patent Document 1). This vehicle lid opening/closing device includes a base, a lid, and a link mechanism. The vehicle has a supply port for supplying energy to the vehicle. The base is a box body that is attached to the vehicle body and has an opening that exposes the supply port. The lid is a cover member that closes the opening of the base. The link mechanism opens and closes the lid that closes the opening.

The above-mentioned link mechanism has two arms that connect the base and the lid. The base side ends of the two arms are arranged one above the other and are each rotatably supported by the base. The lid side ends of the two arms are arranged one above the other and are each rotatably supported by the lid. With this vehicle lid opening/closing device, the two arms are rotated in sync when the lid is opened or closed, so that the lid can be opened and closed between a closed position that closes the opening in the base and a fully open position that opens the opening while maintaining the lid parallel to the vehicle body surface. This makes it possible to ensure a large clearance in front of the supply port when the lid is in the fully open position.

JP 2015-199421 A

However, in the vehicle lid opening and closing device described in Patent Document 1, each of the two arms is formed in a thin plate shape. Therefore, when the lid is in the fully open position, rattling easily occurs in each arm, and the arm rigidity against external forces is low.

On the other hand, if the size of each arm is increased or the material of each arm is made of a high-rigidity material, it is possible to increase the arm rigidity by making the arms less likely to wobble when the lid is in the fully open position, but this leads to the following inconveniences. Specifically, if the size of each arm is increased, the range of motion of the arm when opening and closing the lid between the closed position and the fully open position is limited, and the clearance in front of the supply port when the lid is in the fully open position is reduced. Furthermore, if the material of each arm is made of a high-rigidity material, the manufacturing cost increases.

The present invention was made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a vehicle lid opening and closing device that can improve the arm rigidity against external forces when the lid is in the fully open position while ensuring a large clearance in front of the supply port when the lid is in the fully open position, without requiring structural changes to each arm.

One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle lid opening and closing device that includes a base that is attached to a vehicle body, an opening that is provided on the base and exposes a supply port for supplying energy to the vehicle, a lid that closes the opening, and a link mechanism that opens and closes the lid between a predetermined closed position that closes the opening and a predetermined open position that opens the opening, the link mechanism having a first arm having one end rotatably supported by the base and the other end rotatably supported by the lid, and a second arm having one end rotatably supported by the base and the other end rotatably supported by the lid, which rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first arm and can be located within the rotation trajectory of the first arm as viewed in the thrust direction, the first arm and the second arm each having an overlapping portion that overlaps with each other in the thrust direction at the predetermined open position of the lid, and a stopper portion that contacts with each other in the rotation direction at the predetermined open position of the lid to restrict further opening of the lid.

According to this configuration, the overlapping portions of the two arms overlap each other in the thrust direction at the specified open position of the lid. This allows the range of motion of the arms to be expanded when opening and closing the lid between the fully closed position and the fully open position, and allows the clearance in front of the supply port at the specified open position of the lid to be increased. In addition, the stopper portions of the two arms come into contact with each other in the rotation direction at the specified open position of the lid, restricting further opening of the lid. Even if an external force is applied to the arms in the rotation direction in which the two arms approach each other, the arms come into contact with each other and become integrated, suppressing deformation of the arms in the rotation direction. This allows the rigidity of the arms against external forces at the specified open position of the lid to be improved. In this regard, structural changes such as enlarging the size of the arms or increasing the rigidity of the material are not necessary to improve the rigidity of the arms against external forces at the specified open position of the lid.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lid opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state after the device is mounted on a vehicle body; 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle lid opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a lid open state; 1 is a diagram illustrating a state before a vehicle lid opening and closing device according to an embodiment is attached to a vehicle body. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of a lid provided in the vehicle lid opening and closing device of the embodiment. FIG. 1A to 1C are front views illustrating a lid opening and closing operation between a lid fully closed position and a lid fully open position in the vehicle lid opening and closing device of the embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. 2 is a side view showing a drive device of a link mechanism that opens and closes the lid in the vehicle lid opening and closing device of the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the drive device shown in FIG. 7 . 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of a link mechanism included in the vehicle lid opening and closing device of the embodiment, as viewed from a thrust direction. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first arm and a second arm of a link mechanism included in the vehicle lid opening and closing device of the embodiment, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thrust direction. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rear surface of a lid provided in the vehicle lid opening and closing device according to the first modified embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first arm and a second arm of a link mechanism included in a vehicle lid opening and closing device of a first modified embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the thrust direction. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a rear surface of a lid provided in a vehicle lid opening and closing device according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first arm and a second arm of a link mechanism included in a vehicle lid opening and closing device in a second modified embodiment, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thrust direction. FIG.

Below, a specific embodiment of a vehicle lid opening and closing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14.

The vehicle lid opening and closing device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the lid opening and closing device 1; see FIG. 1, etc.) of one embodiment is a device for opening and closing a lid that closes an opening provided in a vehicle body. The lid opening and closing device 1 is mounted on vehicles such as gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the vehicle has a vehicle body opening 2a that penetrates the inside and outside of the vehicle body 2. The vehicle body opening 2a is an opening in which a supply port (not shown) for supplying energy to the vehicle is located. The vehicle body opening 2a and the supply port are provided on the side or front of the vehicle body.

The supply port is a fuel supply port for refueling or a charging port for charging the battery. The supply port is arranged in the vehicle body opening 2a so as to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle body when the lid is open. The supply port is provided at one end of a fuel supply pipe or an electric wire. The other end of this fuel supply pipe or electric wire is connected to a fuel tank or a battery arranged at the rear side of the vehicle body (i.e., inside the vehicle body). The supply port may be covered with a cap that can be opened and closed by the operator for dustproofing, waterproofing, etc. A fuel supply gun or a charging gun for energy supply can be connected to the supply port when the cap is open.

The lid opening and closing device 1 comprises a base 10, an opening 13, a lid 20, and a link mechanism 30.

The base 10 is a box-shaped inlet box that houses the supply port. The base 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 so as to fit into the vehicle body opening 2a. The base 10 has a bottom wall portion 11 and a side wall portion 12. The bottom wall portion 11 and the side wall portion 12 form an accommodation space 14 that houses the supply port. The bottom wall portion 11 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped portion. The side wall portion 12 is a wall portion that stands from the edge of the bottom wall portion 11 so as to surround the periphery of the bottom wall portion 11.

The bottom wall portion 11 has a first through hole 11a. The first through hole 11a is a hole for accommodating a supply port at the other end of a fuel filler pipe or an electric wire in the accommodation space 14. When the lid is open, the supply port is exposed to the outside of the vehicle while being accommodated in the accommodation space 14.

The opening 13 is a box opening provided in the base 10. The opening 13 is provided on the side opposite the bottom wall 11 across the storage space 14. The opening 13 is opened and closed by the lid 20. The opening 13 is closed when the lid 20 is in the closed position, and is open when the lid 20 is not in the closed position. When open, the opening 13 exposes the supply port in the storage space 14 to the outside of the vehicle. The base 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 so that the surface of the opening 13 faces, for example, horizontally or diagonally upward from the horizontal. The orientation of the surface of the opening 13 is not limited to this, and may face upward or downward.

The base 10 has a frame 15. The frame 15 is formed in a ring shape along the periphery of the opening 13. The frame 15 is formed in a flange shape so as to extend from the periphery of the opening 13 toward the outside of the frame. The base 10 is positioned on the vehicle body 2 by the back surface of the frame 15 abutting against a flange surface on the periphery of the vehicle body opening 2a of the vehicle body 2.

The lid 20 is a cover member that closes the opening 13. The lid 20 can be opened and closed by moving between a predetermined closed position (specifically, a fully closed position) that closes the opening 13 and a predetermined open position (specifically, a fully open position) that opens the opening 13. The lid 20 is supported rotatably with respect to the base 10. The lid 20 opens and closes using a driving force from a lid drive unit 40 (described later) without manual operation by an operator. After the lid 20 reaches the fully open position by the driving force applied from the lid drive unit 40, it may be held in the fully open position even if the driving force is lost. The lid 20 may be held in the fully open position by the weight of the lid 20 or by the biasing force of a spring (not shown).

The lid 20 is formed in a plate shape. The lid 20 is formed in a shape (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape) and size that matches the opening 13. The lid 20 closes the opening 13 so that when the lid 20 is in the closed position, it is flush with the frame portion 15 around the periphery of the opening 13 and the surface of the vehicle body 2. The surface of the lid 20 may be curved to match the surface of the vehicle body 2.

The link mechanism 30 is a mechanism that opens and closes the lid 20 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The link mechanism 30 is interposed between the base 10 and the lid 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the link mechanism 30 has a first arm 31 and a second arm 32. The first arms 31 are provided as a pair separated in the left-right direction when viewed from the front side of the lid 20. The second arms 32 are provided as a pair separated in the left-right direction when viewed from the front side of the lid 20.

Hereinafter, the first arm 31 on the right side will be referred to as the first arm 31R, the first arm 31 on the left side as the first arm 31L, the second arm 32 on the right side as the second arm 32R, and the second arm 32 on the left side as the second arm 32L, as appropriate. The first arm 31R and the first arm 31L are connected to each other via a connecting bar or the like. The second arm 32R and the second arm 32L are connected to each other via a connecting bar or the like.

The first arm 31 and the second arm 32 are each an extending arm-like member with one end in the arm longitudinal direction rotatably supported by the base 10 and the other end in the arm longitudinal direction rotatably supported by the lid 20. The pair of left and right first arms 31R, 31L have a symmetrical shape and rotate synchronously with each other on the same axis. The pair of left and right second arms 32R, 32L have a symmetrical shape and rotate synchronously with each other on the same axis. The first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate synchronously with each other to cooperate to open and close the lid 20.

One end of the first arm 31 is supported by the base first fulcrum A1 of the base 10. The other end of the first arm 31 is supported by the lid first fulcrum B1 of the lid 20. The first arm 31 extends in a curved manner between the base first fulcrum A1 and the lid first fulcrum B1. One end of the second arm 32 is supported by the base second fulcrum A2 of the base 10. The other end of the second arm 32 is supported by the lid second fulcrum B2 of the lid 20. The second arm 32 extends in a curved manner between the base second fulcrum A2 and the lid second fulcrum B2.

The base first fulcrum A1 and the base second fulcrum A2 are provided on the back side of the bottom wall portion 11 of the base 10. The base first fulcrum A1 is provided above the base second fulcrum A2. The lid first fulcrum B1 and the lid second fulcrum B2 are provided on the back side of the lid 20. The lid first fulcrum B1 is provided above the lid second fulcrum B2. The first arm 31 is located above the second arm 32. The first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate about different axes corresponding to the fulcrums A1 and A2 relative to the base 10, and also rotate about different axes corresponding to the fulcrums B1 and B2 relative to the lid 20.

The bottom wall portion 11 of the base portion 10 has a second through hole 11b and a third through hole 11c. The second through hole 11b is a hole through which the first arm 31R and the second arm 32R on the right side pass. The third through hole 11c is a hole through which the first arm 31L and the second arm 32L on the left side pass. The second through hole 11b is provided on the right side of the first through hole 11a. The third through hole 11c is provided on the left side of the first through hole 11a. The second through hole 11b and the third through hole 11c are each formed in a long hole shape extending in the vertical direction so as to allow the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 to rotate when the lid 20 is opened or closed.

The first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate about the fulcrums A1, A2, B1, and B2 while being maintained in a substantially parallel state to each other. In this case, the lid 20 opens and closes while being maintained in a parallel state to the surface of the opening 13 by the synchronized rotation of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The rotation locus of the first arm 31 and the rotation locus of the second arm 32 overlap when viewed in the thrust direction S. The first arm 31 can be located within the rotation locus of the second arm 32 when viewed in the thrust direction S, and the second arm 32 can be located within the rotation locus of the first arm 31 when viewed in the thrust direction S.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first arm 31 is formed to have a thick wall so that the thickness in the thrust direction S has a predetermined width. The second arm 32 is formed to have a thin plate shape so that the thickness in the thrust direction S is smaller. The thrust direction S is a direction perpendicular to the arm longitudinal direction, and is the direction in which the axis corresponding to the fulcrums A1, A2, B1, and B2 extends.

Each of the pair of left and right first arms 31 has an overlapping portion 31a, a stopper portion 31b, and a guide portion 31c. Each of the pair of left and right second arms 32 has an overlapping portion 32a and a stopper portion 32b.

The overlapping portions 31a, 32a overlap each other in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. The overlapping portions 31a, 32a overlap each other between the first arm 31R on the right side and the second arm 32R on the right side, and between the first arm 31L on the left side and the second arm 32L on the left side.

The overlapping portions 31a, 32a face each other on a surface that faces the thrust direction S and extends in the arm rotation direction. As the lid 20 opens from the fully closed position toward the fully open position, the overlapping portions 31a, 32a face each other in a partial area as they begin to overlap in the thrust direction S before the lid 20 reaches the fully open position, and face each other over the entire area when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

The overlapping area of the overlapping parts 31a, 32a when the lid is in the fully open position is preferably set to an extent that the overlapping parts 31a, 32a can withstand a predetermined external force applied in the thrust direction S by contacting each other. The overlapping area of the overlapping parts 31a, 32a in the arm longitudinal direction may be limited to a portion of the arm longitudinal direction of each arm 31, 32 when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position, but it is preferable that the overlapping area cover the entire arm longitudinal direction in order to achieve high rigidity in the thrust direction S.

The overlapping portions 31a, 32a face each other at a predetermined distance or less in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. Specifically, the overlapping portions 31a, 32a are in contact with each other in the thrust direction S, or face each other with a gap in the thrust direction S. This predetermined distance may be set to a distance (e.g., 1 mm) at which the arms 31, 32 deform and the overlapping portions 31a, 32a come into contact with each other when a predetermined external force is applied to the arms 31, 32 in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position.

The overlapping portion 31a of the first arm 31 is disposed outside the lid relative to the overlapping portion 32a of the second arm 32. The overlapping portion 31a is formed to have an inner plate surface facing the inside of the lid of the first arm 31. Moreover, the overlapping portion 32a is formed to have an outer plate surface facing the outside of the lid of the second arm 32.

The stopper portions 31b, 32b are portions that restrict further opening of the lid 20 by contacting each other in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. The arm rotation direction is a direction perpendicular to the thrust direction S, and particularly includes the up and down directions. The contact between the stopper portions 31b, 32b occurs between the first arm 31R on the right side and the second arm 32R on the right side, and between the first arm 31L on the left side and the second arm 32L on the left side.

The contact between the stopper portions 31b, 32b is made on a surface that faces the arm rotation direction and expands in the thrust direction S. This contact width, and therefore the width of the second arm 32, is set so that the stopper portions 31b, 32b always come into contact with each other when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, taking into account the tolerance and deformation of the arms 31, 32 in the thrust direction S. The region in the arm longitudinal direction where the stopper portions 31b, 32b come into contact with each other may be limited to a portion of the arm longitudinal direction of each arm 31, 32 when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position, but it is preferable that the contact extend over the entire arm longitudinal direction in order to further integrate the arms 31, 32 and increase rigidity.

The stopper portions 31b, 32b face each other at a predetermined distance or less in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. Specifically, the stopper portions 31b, 32b are in contact with each other in the arm rotation direction, or face each other with a gap in the arm rotation direction. This predetermined distance may be set to a distance (e.g., 0.5 mm) at which the arms 31, 32 deform and the stopper portions 31b, 32b come into contact with each other when a predetermined external force is applied in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position.

The stopper portion 31b of the first arm 31 is disposed above the stopper portion 32b of the second arm 32. The stopper portion 31b is formed to have a lower surface facing downward from the first arm 31. The stopper portion 32b is formed to have an upper surface facing upward from the second arm 32.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first arm 31 may have a space cut out in a stepped manner on a cut surface perpendicular to the arm longitudinal direction so that the overlapping portion 31a and the stopper portion 31b are formed. The upper portion of the second arm 32 enters this space so that it fits when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. When the second arm 32 enters this space, the overlapping portions 31a and 32a overlap each other in the thrust direction, and the stopper portions 31b and 32b come into contact with each other in the arm rotation direction, and the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

The guide portion 31c of the first arm 31 guides the overlapping portions 31a, 32a of the arms 31, 32 from a state in which they are not facing each other in the thrust direction to a state in which they are facing each other during the opening operation of the lid 20, that is, it is a guide that guides the second arm 32 to enter the above-mentioned space. The guide portion 31c is formed to have a flat or curved tapered surface at the corner between the overlapping portion 31a of the first arm 31 and the underside. The guide portion 31c performs the above-mentioned guidance by making it easier for the second arm 32 to escape toward the inside of the lid relative to the first arm 31 even when the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 approach each other and interfere with each other in the thrust direction S due to external force deformation or the like during the opening operation of the lid 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lid opening/closing device 1 includes a lid drive unit 40. The lid drive unit 40 is a part that moves the lid 20 between a fully closed position and a fully open position to perform the opening/closing operation. The lid drive unit 40 includes an electric actuator 41 and a drive mechanism 42 (see FIG. 8).

The electric actuator 41 is an actuator that applies a driving force to the lid 20 to open and close the lid 20 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The electric actuator 41 is an electric motor that generates a driving force by supplying electric power. The electric actuator 41 is housed in an actuator box 41a that is attached and fixed to the base 10. The electric actuator 41 is connected directly or via a reducer to an actuator shaft 43 that can rotate around an output axis Zo.

The actuator shaft 43 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape so that the cross section is, for example, circular or rectangular. The actuator shaft 43 is rotatably supported by the base 10. The actuator shaft 43 rotates when driven by the electric actuator 41. The output axis Zo extends parallel to the axis corresponding to the fulcrums A1, A2, B1, and B2.

The drive mechanism 42 is a link interposed between the electric actuator 41 side (specifically, the actuator shaft 43) and the link mechanism 30 side (specifically, the first arm 31 and the second arm 32). The drive mechanism 42 is actuated by the rotation of the actuator shaft 43, and transmits the drive force of the electric actuator 41 to the link mechanism 30 side. The drive mechanism 42 has a first link 42a, a second link 42b, and a third link 42c.

The first link 42a, the second link 42b, and the third link 42c are connected in series between the actuator shaft 43 and a lid shaft 44 corresponding to the base second fulcrum A2, which is one end of the second arm 32. The lid shaft 44 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape so that the cross section is, for example, circular or rectangular. The lid shaft 44 is integrated with the third link 42c and is integrated with one end of the second arm 32L. The lid shaft 44 is rotatably supported by the base 10 on the base second fulcrum A2 of the left second arm 32L.

The first link 42a rotates around the output axis Zo in conjunction with the rotation of the actuator shaft 43. The second link 42b is configured so that one end is connected to the outer periphery of the first link 42a and the other end is connected to the outer periphery of the third link 42c. The second link 42b moves (changes posture) in conjunction with the rotation of the first link 42a. The third link 42c rotates around the base second fulcrum A2 in conjunction with the movement of the second link 42b, and this rotation causes the second arm 32 to rotate around the base second fulcrum A2 relative to the base 10.

Each of the links 42a, 42b, and 42c is formed in the shape of an arm plate. The second link 42b has a first cutout portion 42d and a second cutout portion 42e. The first cutout portion 42d and the second cutout portion 42e are each portions cut out between the output axis Zo and the base second fulcrum A2. The first cutout portion 42d and the second cutout portion 42e are each cut out in a semicircular shape and have a concavely curved surface.

The first cutout 42d is provided to make interference between the first link 42a and the second link 42b less likely to occur on the fully closed position side of the lid 20 compared to when the cutout is not provided, thereby widening the range of rotation between those links. The second cutout 43b is provided to make interference between the second link 42b and the third link 42c less likely to occur on the fully open position side of the lid 20 compared to when the cutout is not provided, thereby widening the range of rotation between those links.

The edge of the first hollowed-out portion 42d and the outer surface of the actuator shaft 43 can come into contact with each other near the fully closed position of the lid 20 when the actuator shaft 43 rotates in a direction to close the lid 20. The first hollowed-out portion 42d and the actuator shaft 43 come into contact with each other, restricting the rotation of the first link 42a and the movement of the second link 42b, thereby positioning the drive mechanism 42 and restricting the closing operation of the lid 20 beyond the fully closed position.

In addition, the edge of the second cutout 42e and the outer surface of the lid shaft 44 can come into contact with each other near the fully open position of the lid 20 when the actuator shaft 43 rotates in a direction to open the lid 20. By coming into contact with each other, the second cutout 42e and the lid shaft 44 restrict the movement of the second link 42b and the rotation of the third link 42c to position the drive mechanism 42, thereby restricting the opening operation of the lid 20 beyond the fully open position.

The electric actuator 41 can selectively generate a driving force in both a direction to open the lid 20 (opening direction) and a direction to close the lid 20 (closing direction). The electric actuator 41 is driven and controlled by a control unit mainly composed of a microcomputer.

An opening operation switch 45 is supported on the base 10 so as to be operable. When the opening operation switch 45 is pressed by an operator with the lid 20 in the fully closed position, the control unit supplies power to the electric actuator 41 to generate a driving force in the direction of opening the lid 20. In this case, the lid 20 opens from the fully closed position to the fully open position due to the driving force of the electric actuator 41. In addition, the control unit controls the electric actuator 41 to stop rotating when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

When the lid 20 is closed by the operator while the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the control unit may supply power to the electric actuator 41 to generate a driving force in the closing direction of the lid 20. In this case, the lid 20 closes from the fully open position to the fully closed position due to the driving force of the electric actuator 41.

The base 10 can contact the arms 31, 32 when the lid 20 is in the fully open position to position the arms 31, 32. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the base 10 has a first positioning portion 10a and a second positioning portion 10b.

The first positioning portion 10a is an opening stopper that positions the second arm 32 in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. This positioning restricts further opening of the lid 20 by the second arm 32 coming into contact with the first positioning portion 10a or facing the first positioning portion 10a with a small gap therebetween. The first positioning portion 10a is formed on the side wall portion 12 of the base 10 that defines the lower side of the storage space 14, so as to have an upper surface facing upward. The positioning of the second arm 32 by the first positioning portion 10a is performed on the second arm 32R on the right side and on the second arm 32L on the left side. The area where the second arm 32 is positioned by the first positioning portion 10a may be limited to a portion of the second arm 32 in the arm longitudinal direction when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

The second positioning portion 10b is an opening stopper that positions the second arm 32 in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. This positioning restricts further movement of the lid 20 in the thrust direction S by the second arm 32 coming into contact with the second positioning portion 10b or facing the second positioning portion 10b with a small gap therebetween. The second positioning portion 10b is formed on the side wall portion 12 of the base 10 that defines the lower side of the storage space 14, so as to have a surface facing the thrust direction S. The positioning of the second arm 32 by the second positioning portion 10b is performed on the second arm 32R on the right side and on the second arm 32L on the left side. The area where the second arm 32 is positioned by the second positioning portion 10b may be limited to a part of the arm longitudinal direction of the second arm 32 when the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

The second positioning portions 10b are provided in a pair so as to sandwich one second arm 32 in the thrust direction S. The pair of second positioning portions 10b are provided apart in the thrust direction S by a distance equal to or greater than the thrust direction width of the second arm 32.

As shown in FIG. 10, the base 10 may have a groove provided in the side wall portion 12 of the base 10 that defines the lower side of the storage space 14, so that a first positioning portion 10a and a pair of second positioning portions 10b are formed. The lower portion of the second arm 32 enters the space in this groove so that it fits in the space when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. When the second arm 32 enters this groove, the second arm 32 is positioned in the arm rotation direction by the first positioning portion 10a, and the second arm 32 is positioned in the thrust direction S by the second positioning portion 10b, and the lid 20 reaches the fully open position.

In addition, a guide portion formed to have a flat or curved tapered surface may be provided at the upper corner of the above-mentioned groove in the base 10. This guide portion guides the second arm 32 to escape into the groove and enter the groove even when the second arm 32 moves in the thrust direction S due to external force deformation or the like during the opening operation of the lid 20 and interferes with the side wall portion 12.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lid opening/closing device 1 is equipped with a full-open positioning unit 50. The full-open positioning unit 50 is an opening side stopper that positions the lid 20 at the full-open position of the lid 20 and prevents the lid 20 from opening further beyond the full-open position. The full-open positioning unit 50 is provided in the actuator box 41a separately from the first positioning unit 10a and the second positioning unit 10b.

The fully open positioning part 50 is disposed at a position where it abuts (makes surface contact with) the side of the first link 42a, the second link 42b, or the third link 42c of the drive mechanism 42 when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. The fully open positioning part 50 has a first part 51 that abuts against the first link 42a when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, a second part 52 that abuts against the second link 42b when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, and a third part 53 that abuts against the third link 42c when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. It is preferable that the abutments of the first part 51, the second part 52, and the third part 53 are made approximately simultaneously in order to ensure the rigidity to withstand an external force when an external force is applied to open the lid 20 further beyond the fully open position.

Next, the operation of the lid opening and closing device 1 will be described.
In the lid opening/closing device 1, while the vehicle is running, the lid 20 is in a fully closed position that closes the opening 13 of the base 10. When the lid 20 is in the fully closed position, the supply unit is not exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, so it is impossible to connect a fuel supply gun or a charging gun to the supply unit.

When an operator such as a vehicle driver or user wishes to refuel the vehicle or charge the battery while the lid 20 is in the fully closed position, the operator stops the vehicle and performs the necessary operations to open the lid 20 to the fully open position. This operation includes the operation of unlocking the lid 20 in the fully open position, and depending on the operator's situation, may involve, for example, pressing the opening operation switch 45, approaching the vehicle while carrying a smart key corresponding to the vehicle and having the vehicle verify the key through communication between the vehicle and a portable device, issuing an open command via a smartphone app, pressing an opening switch button provided inside the vehicle, or pulling an opening lever.

When the above operations are performed, the lid 20 opens from the fully closed position. Specifically, during the opening process of the lid 20, the electric actuator 41 operates to generate a driving force that opens the lid 20. This driving force is input to the drive mechanism 42 through the actuator shaft 43 on the output axis Zo and transmitted to the lid shaft 44. When the lid shaft 44 rotates due to this transmission of driving force, the second arm 32 rotates around the base second fulcrum A2, and in synchronization with the rotation of the second arm 32, the first arm 31 rotates around the base first fulcrum A1.

When the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate synchronously with each other relative to the base 10 around the fulcrums A1 and A2, the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate synchronously with each other relative to the lid 20 around the fulcrums B1 and B2 due to the weight of the lid 20, etc. At this time, the lid 20 opens while being maintained parallel to the opening 13 of the base 10 due to the cooperation of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32.

In the process in which the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 rotate in sync with each other to open the lid 20, before the lid 20 reaches the fully open position, some areas of the overlapping portions 31a and 32a begin to face each other in the thrust direction S, and eventually the entire areas of the overlapping portions 31a and 32a face each other in the thrust direction S, and the stopper portions 31b and 32b come into contact with each other in the arm rotation direction. This causes the lid 20 to reach the fully open position.

In this way, in the lid opening/closing device 1, the lid 20 can be opened from the fully closed position to the fully open position by operating the electric actuator 41 of the lid drive unit 40 through an operation such as pressing the opening operation switch 45. Also, the lid 20 can be opened from the fully open position to the fully closed position by operating the electric actuator 41 of the lid drive unit 40 through an operation such as closing the lid 20.

In addition, when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the overlapping portions 31a, 32a of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 overlap each other in the thrust direction S. If the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 can be rotated to a state in which the overlapping portions 31a, 32a overlap each other in the thrust direction S, the range of motion of the arms for opening and closing the lid 20 between the fully closed position and the fully open position becomes wider than when such rotation is not possible, and the fully open position of the lid 20 moves further toward the open operation side. Therefore, a large clearance can be secured in front of the supply port when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, which makes it easier to insert a fuel supply gun or charging gun into the supply port without the gun interfering with the lid 20, etc.

In addition, when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the stopper portions 31b, 32b of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 come into contact with each other in the arm rotation direction to restrict further opening of the lid 20, and even if an external force is applied to the arms 31, 32 in the arm rotation direction in which the arms 31, 32 approach each other, the arms 31, 32 come into contact with each other and become integrated, thereby suppressing deformation of the arms 31, 32 in the arm rotation direction.

This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the arms 31, 32 against external forces when the lid 20 is in the fully open position (particularly, external forces acting in the arm rotation direction in which the arms 31, 32 approach each other). In this regard, there is no need to make structural changes such as enlarging the size of each arm 31, 32 or using a more rigid material to improve the rigidity of the arms 31, 32 against external forces when the lid 20 is in the fully open position.

Therefore, with the lid opening and closing device 1, it is possible to improve the arm rigidity against external forces in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position while ensuring a large clearance in front of the supply port when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, without requiring structural changes to each arm 31, 32.

In addition, the overlapping portions 31a, 32a of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 face each other at a predetermined distance or less in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, and can come into contact with each other due to a predetermined external force applied in the thrust direction S. In this structure, even if an external force in the thrust direction S is applied to the arms 31, 32 when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, causing the arms 31, 32 to approach each other, the arms 31, 32 come into contact with each other and become integrated, thereby suppressing deformation of the arms 31, 32 in the thrust direction S.

This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the arms 31, 32 against external forces when the lid 20 is in the fully open position (particularly, external forces acting in the thrust direction S in which the arms 31, 32 approach each other). In this regard, there is no need to make structural changes such as enlarging the size of each arm 31, 32 or using materials with higher rigidity in order to improve the rigidity of the arms 31, 32 against external forces in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position.

Therefore, with the lid opening/closing device 1, it is possible to improve the arm rigidity against external forces in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position while ensuring a large clearance in front of the supply port when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, without requiring structural changes to each arm 31, 32.

The first arm 31 also has a guide portion 31c that guides the overlapping portions 31a, 32a of the arms 31, 32 from a state in which they are not opposed to each other in the thrust direction to a state in which they are opposed to each other during the opening operation of the lid 20. With this structure, even when the first arm 31 and the second arm 32 approach each other in the thrust direction S due to deformation by external force or the like during the opening operation of the lid 20 and interfere with each other on the surfaces facing the arm rotation direction, the second arm 32 abuts against the guide portion 31c of the first arm 31, and the arms 31, 32 are more likely to move away in the thrust direction S. This makes it possible to prevent the lid 20 from reaching the desired position when the lid is fully open due to interference between the arms 31, 32 during the opening operation of the lid 20.

In addition, in the lid opening/closing device 1, the base 10 has a first positioning portion 10a that positions the second arm 32 in the arm rotation direction when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. With this structure, it is possible to restrict the lid 20 from opening further beyond the fully open position, and even if an external force is applied to the arms 31, 32 (particularly the second arm 32) downward when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the second arm 32 comes into contact with the first positioning portion 10a, so that it is possible to prevent the arms 31, 32 from rattling in the arm rotation direction (specifically, downward).

In addition, in the lid opening/closing device 1, the base 10 has a second positioning portion 10b that positions the second arm 32 in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position. With this structure, even if an external force is applied to the arms 31, 32 (particularly the second arm 32) in the thrust direction S when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the second arm 32 comes into contact with the second positioning portion 10b, thereby preventing the arms 31, 32 from rattling in the thrust direction S.

The lid opening/closing device 1 is also provided with a fully open positioning portion 50 that positions the lid 20 at the fully open position. The fully open positioning portion 50 is an opening side stopper portion that prevents the lid 20 from opening further beyond the fully open position. Three fully open positioning portions 50 are provided in the actuator box 41a of the electric actuator 41. Specifically, the fully open positioning portion 50 includes a first portion 51 that abuts against the first link 42a of the drive mechanism 42, a second portion 52 that abuts against the second link 42b, and a third portion 53 that abuts against the third link 42c.

In this structure, when the lid 20 is in the fully open position, the first portion 51 abuts against the first link 42a, the second portion 52 abuts against the second link 42b, and the third portion 53 abuts against the third link 42c, so that the lid 20 can be prevented from opening further beyond the fully open position.

In this way, in the lid opening/closing device 1, the positioning function that restricts further opening of the lid 20 beyond the fully open position is realized by (1) positioning under the control of the electric actuator 41, (2) positioning by the positioning portions 10a and 10b of the base 10, (3) positioning by the stopper portions 31b and 32b of the first arm 31 and the second arm 32, and (4) positioning by the fully open positioning portion 50. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently ensure the restriction of further opening of the lid 20 beyond the fully open position. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the resistance of the lid 20 even when a downward force is applied to the lid 20 in the fully open position due to, for example, the weight of the lid 20 or the arms 31 and 32 or a downward load.

In order to improve the effect of restricting further opening of the lid 20 beyond the fully open position, it is desirable to configure each part so that the above positioning (1) to (4) occurs approximately simultaneously.

In the above embodiment, the first positioning portion 10a and the second positioning portion 10b correspond to the "positioning portion" described in the claims.

In the above embodiment, the guide portion 31c that guides the overlapping portions 31a, 32a of the arms 31, 32 from a state in which they do not face each other in the thrust direction to a state in which they face each other during the opening operation of the lid 20 is provided only on the first arm 31, and not on the second arm 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such a guide portion may be provided only on the second arm 32, or may be provided on both the first arm 31 and the second arm 32.

In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 10, the overlapping portion 31a of the first arm 31 of the link mechanism 30 is disposed outside the lid relative to the overlapping portion 32a of the second arm 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the overlapping portion 31a of the first arm 31 of the link mechanism 30 may be disposed inside the lid relative to the overlapping portion 32a of the second arm 32.

13 and 14, the first arm 31 may have a groove into which the second arm 32 enters when the lid is fully open, and the overlapping portion 31a of the first arm 31 of the link mechanism 30 may be disposed both outside and inside the lid relative to the overlapping portion 32a of the second arm 32. This structure shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 improves the rattle prevention effect when the lid is fully open, and even if an external force is applied to the arms 31 and 32 when the lid is fully open, causing the arms 31 and 32 to approach each other in the thrust direction S, the stopper portions 31b and 32b will not shift from each other, and the opposing relationship between the stopper portions 31b and 32b is ensured.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the lid shaft 44, which rotates due to the operation of the electric actuator 41, is integrated with one end of the second arm 32, which is disposed below the first arm 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lid shaft 44 may be integrated with one end of the first arm 31 instead of one end of the second arm 32.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1: Vehicle lid opening/closing device (lid opening/closing device), 2: Vehicle body, 2a: Vehicle body opening, 10: Base, 10a: First positioning portion, 10b: Second positioning portion, 13: Opening, 14: Storage space, 20: Lid, 30: Link mechanism, 31: First arm, 31a: Overlapping portion, 31b: Stopper portion, 31c: Guide portion, 32: Second arm, 32a: Overlapping portion, 32b: Stopper portion, 40: Lid drive portion, 41: Electric actuator, 42: Drive mechanism, 43: Actuator shaft, 44: Lid shaft, 45: Open operation switch, 50: Fully open positioning portion.

Claims (5)

A base that is attached to a vehicle body;
an opening provided in the base portion to expose a supply port for supplying energy to a vehicle;
A lid that closes the opening;
a link mechanism for opening and closing the lid between a predetermined closed position for closing the opening and a predetermined open position for opening the opening;
Equipped with
The link mechanism includes:
a first arm having one end rotatably supported on the base and the other end rotatably supported on the lid;
a second arm having one end rotatably supported on the base and the other end rotatably supported on the lid, which rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the first arm and can be positioned within a rotation locus of the first arm as viewed in a thrust direction;
having
The first arm and the second arm each include
an overlapping portion that overlaps with another overlapping portion in a thrust direction when the lid is in the predetermined open position;
a stopper portion that comes into contact with the lid in a rotation direction when the lid is at the predetermined open position to restrict a further opening operation of the lid;
having
a vehicle lid opening and closing device, wherein, during the process of the lid opening movement from the predetermined closed position side to the predetermined open position side, the overlapping portion of the first arm and the overlapping portion of the second arm face each other in the thrust direction in a part of the area before the lid reaches the predetermined open position, and face each other in the thrust direction over the entire area when the lid reaches the predetermined open position . The vehicle lid opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the overlapping portions of the first arm and the second arm face each other at a predetermined distance or less in the thrust direction when the lid is in the predetermined open position. The vehicle lid opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm has a guide portion that guides the overlapping portions of the first arm and the second arm from a state in which they do not face each other in the thrust direction to a state in which they face each other during the opening operation of the lid. The vehicle lid opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base has a positioning portion that contacts the first arm or the second arm to position the first arm or the second arm when the lid is in the predetermined open position. The vehicle lid opening and closing device according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion has a first positioning portion that positions the first arm or the second arm in the rotation direction, and a second positioning portion that positions the first arm or the second arm in the thrust direction.

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